Innovations

UK firm patents mid-scale LNG technology

Gasconsult Ltd. has announced the award of a patent for its
new ZR-LNG liquefaction process. ZR-LNG has best-in-class
energy efficiency for mid-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG)
applications. Specific power consumption for the liquefaction
section will typically be in the range of 310 kWh/ton to 350
kWh/ton of LNG, which is marginally higher than current
baseload plants but significantly better than single
mixed-refrigerant cycles (350 kWh/ton to 400 kWh/ton) and dual
nitrogen-expander cycle technology (400 kWh/ton to 500
kWh/ton).

The capital efficiency of the technology, combined with its
low operating cost, opens the possibility of monetizing smaller
gas fields that are unable to support the cost of sophisticated
baseload technology. Having a low equipment count, small
footprint, low weight, high tolerance to ship motion and no
requirement for storage of flammable refrigerants, the process
is particularly suited to the floating LNG (FLNG) concept.

Gasconsult also sees opportunities for the technology in
end-of-pipe applications to make LNG for
heavy-goods vehicles and as a marine fuel, thereby providing a
lower-cost, environmentally benign fuel for
these applications. Additionally, Gasconsult is seeking
business partnerships or the appointment of licensors in key
LNG production markets.

ASTM recently published its latest version of the ASTM
D975-12 Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, which
includes an alternate distillation method, ASTM D7345. This
alternate method achieves significant response-time
improvements compared to the conventional ASTM D86 method. PAC,
a global provider of advanced analytical instruments for
laboratories and online process applications, developed the ISL
PMD 110 and ISL MicroDist instruments, both of which utilize
this alternative method.

The ISL PMD 110 (Fig. 1) is a laboratory
instrument that determines the complete distillation curve
within eight minutes, using data from one phase transition
(evaporation), thus eliminating the process of condensation.
The analysis is based on fundamental thermodynamic
dependencies. Immediately after test completion, distillation characteristics are
calculated from collected data with an ASTM D86/ISO
3405-compliant, detailed report.

This instrument is universal, reliable and applicable to any
petroleum product, without prior knowledge of its properties.
Since the ISL PMD 110 instrument is a portable unit requiring
no sample preparation, it is also a perfect solution for
terminals and mobile labs. It is able to compare the measured
distillation curve with up to 80
user-defined specifications and give an in-spec/off-spec
answer.

The ISL MicroDist instrument (Fig. 2)
utilizes the same technology in the process that the
ISL PMD 110 uses in the lab. The MicroDist is used for process
optimization and product certification, as well as control of
blending processes for various refining streams, including motor
gasoline, fuel oils, naphtha and diesel.

Fig.
2. The ISL MicroDist
instrument is used for process
optimization and product
certification, as well as control
of blending processes for
various refining streams.

FIRESAFE hose available for US market

Composite hose manufacturer Dantec has launched FIRESAFE, a
product it claims is the safest composite hose ever seen
on the US market. The hose (Fig. 3) is
made from a series of specially designed ceramic cloths and
heat-reflective films to counter the radiant heat effects of
fire. This allows vapor to burn off slowly as the increased
heat of the liquid inside the hose vaporizes and seeks to
escape.

Fig.
3. Dantecs FIRESAFE
hose is made from a series of
specially designed ceramic
cloths and heat-reflective films
to counter the radiant heat
effects of fire.

Designed as a safeguard of flammable, hazardous and volatile
liquids, the FIRESAFE hose is built for use in environments where there is
increased risk of explosion. According to Dantec, the hose is
flexible, durable and flame-resistant for more than 30 minutes.
Even at temperatures approaching 1,200°C, the hose will
protect its contents and not burn.

The FIRESAFE hose first gained prominence in Europe in 1994 when it began its
association with Formula One racing. During the German Grand
Prix in Hockenheim, driver Jos Verstappen was engulfed in
flames when a refueling hose breached. Formula One contacted
Dantec and placed an order for the hose, which was delivered in
time for the next race. The company went on to supply the sport
for 15 years.

Dantec produces a range of composite hoses designed for the
loading, unloading and transfer of oil, gas and petrochemicals. The hoses are used
in ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, ship-to-tank, plant-to-truck,
truck-to-tank, in-plant and railcar-transfer applications.

New indicator monitors machine health

SKF recently launched the SKF Machine Condition Indicator, a
low-cost vibration- and temperature-monitoring device designed
for rotating machinery with constant operating conditions. The
indicator provides the ability to track basic machine health on
assets that are not currently being monitored on a regular
basis.

The device can be used indoors or outdoors, in almost any
industry where rotating machines are used, such as oil and gas;
pulp and paper; power; food and beverage; machine tools; and
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

The indicator periodically makes two types of vibration
measurement. Velocity measurements are made to keep track of
overall machine health and to highlight potential problems
related to misalignment and imbalance. Enveloped acceleration
measurements are used to detect possible bearing
degradation.

The indicator features built-in intelligence for evaluating
measurements and also avoiding false alarms, with an alarm
status visually indicated via three LEDs. The indicator is
fixed to the machine and runs on battery. The device also
monitors machine operating temperature.

By utilizing the SKF Machine Condition Indicator, plant
operators can save both time and money by freeing up maintenance engineers to spend less
time on problem detection and more time focusing on root cause
analysis and other, more significant issues. Maintenance
schedules for noncritical equipment can be assigned at less
frequent intervals, as the indicator will provide feedback via
its LEDs.

The device costs less than a standard industrial
accelerometer, which makes the indicator a good solution for
manufacturers seeking an economical way to ensure that their
semi-critical machine assets are kept up and running.

Pressure transmitters lower plant costs

Honeywells new SmartLine industrial pressure
transmitters (Fig. 4) enhance communication
abilities, improve operational efficiency and reduce lifecycle
costs for process manufacturers. In industrial process plants,
field devices that measure pressure, flow and level are used
throughout the manufacturing process to support safe and
efficient production. Large industrial complexes, such as those
for refining crude oil, can have
thousands of these devices to support their manufacturing
processes.

The SmartLine pressure transmitters make it easier to
support field devices and promote plant reliability with their unique
efficiency-enhancing features, such as a graphic display
capable of showing process data in graphical formats and
communicating messages from the control room. The transmitters
also feature modular components to simplify field repairs and
reduce the inventory required to make those repairs.

The new display supports graphical process data in
easy-to-read trend lines and bar graphs while also providing a
unique platform for operator messages, comprehensive diagnostic
warnings, and loop status for maintenance. These capabilities,
which are part of the transmitters Smart Connection
Suite, allow control room operators to send messages to the
display. This makes it easier and faster for field operators to
identify the correct transmitter and determine the required
maintenance tasks.

When integrated with Honeywells Experion Process
Knowledge System (PKS), the transmitter can also display its
maintenance mode, telling field operators if the control loop
is in a safe state to perform maintenance. Even installation is
made easier with this new display. Three buttons at the top of
the transmitter are used with the graphic display to completely
configure the transmitter, with no external handheld devices
required.

Other safety and efficiency features include enhanced
security alerts and wiring polarity insensitivity. Tamper
reporting alerts the control room and records any change in the
transmitters configuration, or writes a protection
setting to allow operations to investigate any unauthorized
access. Unlike most other transmitters, SmartLine transmitters
cannot be damaged by reversed wiring polarity and will function
correctly if connected as such. This protection is useful
during a plant startup, when time can be wasted locating and
repairing incorrectly wired devices.

Strategic alliance advances biomass initiatives

Tri-Mer Corp., a developer of advanced technologies for the
control of NOx, fine particulate and industrial
gases, has partnered with Enginuity Energy LLC, a renewable
energy company and holder of the patented Ecoremedy
gasification technology. The two firms have established a
research agreement for the testing of biomass fuels at
Enginuity Energys research and development lab in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Valve line receives fire-safe approval

AS-Schneiders ISO FE Series monoflanges are fire-type
tested and certified to guarantee protection for the plant and
personnel in the event of a fire (Fig. 6).
AS-Schneiders monoflanges, VariAS blocks and K-Series
ball valves are tested and approved for fire safety as
standard.

Fig.
6. AS-Schneiders ISO FE
Series monoflanges are fire-
type tested and certified to
guarantee protection in the
event of a fire.

The test bases at AS-Schneider are ISO 10497: Testing of
ValvesFire-Type Testing Requirements and API 607: Fire
Test for Quarter-Turn Valves and Values Equipped with
Non-Metallic Seats. The type test is monitored and certified at
AS-Schneider by the Technical Inspection Authority TÜV
SÜD.

The term fire-safe design is encountered often.
However, this term is no guarantee that the valve will offer
safe emergency operation in the event of a fire. Only if the
valve undergoes an appropriate type test can it be ensured that
the medium will be safely shut off in the event of fire.

ISO 10497 defines the requirements and the process for
evaluating the functionality of valves and fittings that are
exposed to fire. These requirements are identical to API 607 in
terms of content. In this test, the valve to be tested is
exposed to fire and to water under pressure for a period of 30
minutes. There are strict specifications for the temperature of
the flames and of the valve body that are measured with the
help of thermocouples for the entire duration of the fire.

After being allowed to burn for a period of 30 minutes, the
burners are switched off, and within 10 minutes the valve is
force-cooled to below 100°C. The 30-minute burning period
corresponds to the maximum period required by the fire brigade
to extinguish the fire in a plant.

The leakage from the valve seat and the external leakage are
measured for the entire duration of the test. The leakages may
not exceed a specific limit value. The valve is then tested
again to ensure that it is operable.

To guarantee the external tightness, only graphite or
metallic seal rings are used for stem and body seals. Spring
washers ensure guaranteed internal tightness for outside screw
and yoke needle valves that compensate for the different length
expansion of the individual parts
and, therefore, prevent the valve tip from lifting off the
valve seat.

Concerning ball valves, a secondary metal sealing guarantees
the internal tightness. Under normal operating conditions, a
polymeric seat provides a bubble tight sealing. In the event of
fire, the secondary metal sealing will ensure the tightness
instead of the burned polymeric seat.